Dinizistas, who were euphoric with Vasco’s four consecutive victories, are disappointed with coach Fernando Diniz and the team after the last three defeats. The strategies and lineups used by the coach were the same. This happens frequently. Coaches are deified in victories and heavily criticized in defeats. Many think that they are mainly responsible for everything that happens in the game.
In the middle of last week, Palmeiras and Cruzeiro won and Flamengo drew. At the weekend, Flamengo won, Cruzeiro drew and Palmeiras lost. These variations in results will occur until the end. Flamengo and Palmeiras, with equal chances, will compete for the Brasileirão and Libertadores titles.
In Flamengo’s 3-2 victory against Santos, Neymar complained aggressively throughout the game about the referee, his teammates and his opponents. He was substituted and got angry with the coach. It’s been like that. More evident than the will to win is his emotional inconsistency. Furthermore, he continues to play without intensity and has difficulty dribbling at speed.
In modern football, even for great talents, it is not possible, in their position, to play in small spaces, waiting for the ball at their feet and without participating in marking. This has been happening to Neymar for years. It has not kept up with the transformations that have occurred in the last decade. Neymar needs to improve his physical conditions and behavior. As André Kfouri said, on ESPN, Neymar’s time at Santos so far has been characterized by his absence even when he plays.
If Neymar doesn’t change, Ancelotti won’t call him up, even if he starts to play full time in every match. The team doesn’t need him the way he’s been playing. He’s the one who needs the selection.
Neymar, 33 years old, looks like an older veteran on the field, unlike many other players older than him. In the 0-0 draw between Cruzeiro and Fluminense, goalkeeper Fábio, 45, and defender Thiago Silva, 41, were once again Flu’s highlights.
Fábio remains agile and precise. Thiago Silva positions himself very well, anticipates the move and disarms without touching the opponent. More than that, he disarms with a good pass to start the counterattack. He knows the right moment to take two steps forward to take the ball and when to take two steps back to leave no space behind his back. If the team didn’t have so many excellent defenders, he should be a starter at the World Cup.
Other veterans are doing very well in Brazilian football. Hulk, 39 years old, returned to playing well after a period of absence. Left-back Reinaldo, from Mirassol, 36 years old, is one of the team’s main players, with his goals and excellent crosses, strong and curved. Cássio, 38 years old, has lost 10 kg and is in shape. There are others.
Today, athletes have more chances of having a long and successful career. In addition to technological resources and the best physical preparation, players need to have desire, pleasure and ambition to surpass themselves, to play better every day. This is also the case with aging. To enjoy it you need to have a strong desire to live well.
I still have other dreams. I’m just afraid that the future won’t arrive in time.
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